March 14 – 4th Sunday of Lent
Gospel – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Question: What aspect of the prodigal son’s story strikes me most deeply?
“The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father’s house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father’s generous welcome; the father’s joy – all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life – pure, worthy, and joyful – of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a.way” (Catechism paragraph 1439).
Tune in to Real Life Radio (1380 AM) each Monday at 3:10 p.m. for Leo Brown’s discussion of the weekly question on his “Diocese Live!” program. The live broadcast is also accessible at www.realliferadio1380.com.
If you have any questions or comments about Following the Message, e-mail us at message@cdlex.org.
